Investors' Soapbox PM

Checking Up on Regional-Bank Takeovers

Acquisitions of regional banks, stunted by pricey valuations and integration of previous deals, are picking up even as the industry faces strong headwinds, says Bear Stearns & Co.

Updated May 18, 2007 11:59 p.m. ET

Bear Stearns & Co.

WITH OVER ONE-THIRD OF THE YEAR behind us and amid recently announced acquisitions, we are taking a closer look at deal activity in the midcap regional bank sector and more specifically the impact on our coverage universe. We anticipate deal activity this year to be slightly above 2006 levels.